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general characteristics

Pipes reinforced fiberglassm, create serious competition to the analogues reinforced by aluminum foil. For such risers, a characteristic three-layer design: polypropylene - fiberglass - polypropylene. The reinforcing layer is also made from propylene, reinforced fiber fibers - fiberglass.
According to mine technical parameters, the grip of plastic with fiberglass can be compared with the strength of monolith.

For reinforced fiberglass pipes, such marking is characteristic: PPR-FB-PPR.

If we compare risers with aluminum and fiberglass frame, then the first option has one significant advantage: products have greater rigidity. This means that when mounting systems, 1.5 meters long and more, such risers must be attached to the walls with special fasteners. Otherwise, it is possible to sag, deformation, failure of the structure.

Regarding diameters, it should be noted that the products can be produced with a diameter of 20 mm to 110 mm. It is such risers more often than others can be found on sale. Although, for example, elements with a diameter of 17 mm and less are used to arrange warm floors and less.

Products of small diameters are fixed with the help of plastic clips, and large - clamps.

Polypropylene products

Reinforced fiberglass depend on the polymer used for their manufacture. Marking is applied on all products, which makes it possible to immediately decide on the use of tubular parts.

Find out. So, PPR is English, and the PPR - the Russian name denotes that this is a polypropylene pipe from rand-copolymer.

Such polypropylene tubes reinforced with fiberglass are used for heating, plumbing, ventilation systems, industrial pipelines.

During the arrangement of engineering networks, the PPR tubes reinforced with fiberglass are increasingly used. There is nothing strange in this, because they are reliable, light enough, and with their installation significantly less problems.

Another important factor is the cost. For example, the price of the PPR pipes reinforced fiberglass for heating is lower than metal analogs, which contributes to the economy of the family budget. These, as well as other characteristics that have a pipe polypropylene fiberglass reinforced, contributed to its promotion, use in different areas National economy.

With this article read: The main characteristics and scope of application and what affects its choice. Classification of pressure and composition of raw materials. Polar questions and answers to them.

10 Plus

High-quality material with the use of modern production technologies, in the complex, provide the popularity of communications under consideration.

What are the main positive characteristics of fiberglass reinforced pipes?

It is possible to attribute to the advantages:

1. Resistance to corrosion.
   To be more accurate, this material does not rust at all. Due to this, the systems from polypropylene pipes reinforced fiberglass, which are used for heating, water supply, ventilation do not require replacement over the years.
2. Long service life.
   In compliance with the operating norms and rules, the products from polymers serve about 4 times longer, in comparison with metal counterparts.
3. Low thermal conductivity.
   Such a property completely eliminates the appearance of condensate on pipelines when they are functioning.
4. Small noises and vibrations.
   Due to the design, polypropylene pipes almost do not miss the sound, which occurs as a result of the movement of liquid media. Therefore, the emergence of uncomfortable conditions in the premises is completely excluded.
5. Complete lack of defrost.
   This means that even at minus temperatures there is only a small expansion of polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass, which cannot be said about steel, copper, metal plastic products. The three recent variations of water risers can simply be broken under the influence of frost.
6. Ease of installation.
   No need to possess special knowledge and skills to lay a highway. Just just one time with your own hands try to pave the system, and then everything will go "like oil". Engineering communications of the most complex configurations are performed very easily. This contributes to the presence of a large number of fittings.
7. Absolute tightness joints.
   And therefore, in the future, the ideal functioning of the pipeline highway.
8. Lack of minimal deposits, Head loss, which is ensured by the smoothness of the inner surface.
9. Chemical inertness, which is expressed in increased resistance to the effects of aggressive media.
10. Ease, ease of service.
    Products do not need painting, and the reliability of the connections allows no repair to operate highways for more than a dozen years.

Some of the best reinforced fiberglass pipes today are the German Pipeline Systems AquaTherm GmbH. You can purchase a representative of the plant of the group of companies Agpaip (https://agpipe.ru/trubi_armirovannie_steklovoloknom) - detailed description Products, characteristics, sorting and much more.

4 minus

As evidenced by reviews, polypropylene tubes reinforced fiberglass for heating or water supply pipes have some disadvantages.

1. Mandatory premonst treatment.
   This means that there are PPR tubes that need to be traced before welding. Such a procedure can be performed by a simple file or a special device. This, in some way, complicates installation work.
2. Sensitivity to mechanical influences.
   Although PPR pipes are not fragile, nevertheless they do not differ in high strength, such as metallic parts. Given this, when passing a highway under roads, the risers are protected by special boxes.
3. Products are not recommended to bend, but only to poison with the help of fittings or welding.

What are the types of pipes from polymers

At this time, 2 types of polymer products are known:

• single-layer;
• multilayer.

What characteristics are the products of each type?

Single-layer

There are 4 modifications of polypropylene risers of solid design used for heating or water supply.

1 Type: PPN pipes.
Homopolipropylene is used for their production. Used in engineering pipeline structures for feeding cold water, ventilation arrangement, industrial highways.

2nd Type: PPW pipes.
The basis for production is a polypropylene block copolymer. Products are designed to mount outdoor heating, cold water supply networks.

3rd Type: PPR pipes.
The material for the production of parts serves as a polypropylene copolymer by random. The main property of the substance: promoting the uniform distribution of loads on the inner walls of pipelines.

Hot, cold water supply, floor heating systems, water radiator heating - Here is a list of application of risers of this type.

4th Type: PPS pipes.
The main characteristic of products: Polypropylene with increased heat resistance is used for production.

Details of such a highway are able to withstand the temperature of transported media to + 95⁰С. If necessary, for a short period of time, it is possible to transport the medium with a temperature to + 110 ° C.

The first three analogues are designed for functioning at temperatures of about + 70 ° C. In short-term mode, operation is allowed and with some higher temperature indicators.

Products of the 3rd type are covered with a special shell, which is able to completely eliminate the negative effect of ultraviolet.

Important! You should not often use the operation of the system in the maximum permissible parameters mode.

On multilayer analogs

Polypropylene (PP) pipes consisting of several layers are reinforced with fiberglass, water supply. In comparison with solid structures, the PP products practically do not change linear dimensions at high temperatures of transported media. Thanks to this property, the scope of the application of solo-grained communications is significantly expanding.

The following modifications of multilayer risers can be distinguished.

1. Products for reinforcement of which are used perforated aluminum foil.

They are characterized by the presence, on the outer or middle layer, the holes of small diameters in the form of a mesh. The docking strength with the polymer is carried out due to viscosity, as well as the fluidity of the substance that penetrates into the holes of the aluminum layer.

Pluses of products

• Low linear extension coefficient;
• increased strength.

Minuses

• In the process of welding, it is quite reliable to dock with fittings only the upper layer of riser;
• aluminum reinforcement before welding, be sure to remove, since the failure to comply with this operation can cause a poor quality connection.

2. PP pipes with reinforcement in the form of solid foil from aluminum.

The foil can be both on the external and on the middle layer of the pipe part, but it is necessary that polymer layers are placed on both sides of the metal.

Before proceeding with welding, you need to carry out the risers. Thanks to the procedure, the possibility of contacting aluminum with a moving medium is eliminated.

Benefits

• Low temperature expansion coefficient;
• increased strength properties.

The disadvantages include:

• not all layers are welded reliably. In places of welding, only the outer layer is absolutely reliable;
• the obligation to remove unnecessary aluminum residues, which takes a lot of time.

Important! To remove the aluminum layer before welding, you need to use a special tool. His destination: Conduct accurate measurement of the depth to which the pipes should be lowered into fittings, with the aim of stripping the inner surface at the same distance.

Failure to comply with this condition can lead to an unreliable compound, which is fraught with the appearance of electrochemical processes when contacting foil with water.

Separate enterprises have mastered the issue of communications of this type, the design of which does not foresee pre-stripping before welding.

3. PP products with reinforcement in the form of polyethylene.

That is, the outer layer of the pipe has the form of a thick polyethylene layer.

Benefits

• A small coefficient of temperature expansion;
• cleaning before docking with welding;
• functioning at high temperature indicators.

Minuses

• When docking, a reliable compound of fitting is possible only with an outer layer;
• the complete contact of the moved medium and polyethylene is not excluded;
• the strength characteristics want to be the best, since the layers of each other.

4. PP tube with fiberglass reinforcement.

Feature design: The presence of a medium polypropylene layer with fiberglass filler. Often, fillers make color to be better to distinguish them.

The advantages of this type of communications are more than that of previous analogues combined.

Firstly: Designs with fiberglass reinforced tubes for heating or water supply, have high strength and monolithium.

Secondly: For enhanced fiberglass risers, a relatively low thermal expansion coefficient is characteristic, which is about 25% less than that of unarmed analogs.

Thirdly: Before hot docking, you do not need to clean the ends of the connected elements.

Fourth: Mainstroke with fiberglass has increased rigidity.

For fiberglass elements, one disadvantage is characterized, and it is still completely proven: penetration through the material of oxygen.

In case of full confirmation of this fact, it is possible accelerated process Corrosion metal from which boilers are made.

Theoretically, such minus is possible, and practically - research is still being conducted.

How the elements are connected to each other

Pipe PPR reinforced Fiberglass can be combined into a single design with diffusion welding or fittings (adapters, couplings, tees and other parts).

In each of the methods, the so-called welding machine. The risers docked in this way create a monolithic indiscriminate structure.

The presence of special adapters in the form of threaded, flange compounds is possible to bore the PPR pipe polypropylene reinforced fiberglass with a metallic highway corresponding to the reinforcement.

What is Polypropylene Fiber Fiber Fiber Pipe

These products are 3-EX-layer polypropylene tubes reinforced fiberglass fiber.

They differ:

• increased resistance to corrosion processes and chemical impacts;
• abrasive resistance;
• hygienicity. Thanks to this property, products have found their use when mounting water pipes with drinking water;
• environmental safety;
• long service life;
• simplicity of installation.

In addition, products for their use are universal.

This is manifested in the fact that they are used:

• when installing warm floors, water heating;
• for hot, cold water;
• in the process of arranging drainage, sewer systems.

Thanks constructive features Racing, the product practically does not change linear dimensions, which is very important when installing heating, ventilation communications.

How to choose correctly

Such a question is asked anyone who deals with the arrangement of pipe structures during repairs or when building a new home. The main thing is that the planned highway is high-quality and cheap.

To optimally solve the issue, you need to have knowledge about technical characteristicsah Systems planned to build.

Specialists advise adhere to certain recommendations regarding other characteristics, the main of which are:

• diameter;
• pressure;
• manufacturers.

1. Required diameters.

Today's market is saturated with products, diameters of 20-110 mm.

In everyday morning, the elements of up to 40 mm in diameter are used. Treads of such thickness are used in the arrangement of heating, ventilation systems, hot and cold water supply.

In some cases, you need as accurate calculations when mounting certain communications. In such situations, it is necessary to use the services of specialists who will make the necessary calculations using the formulas. Given the maximum water consumption, the speed of its movement, the professionals will surely say that the riser of which diameter needs to be applied in one way or another.

2. What pressure is the details for

A person who is not familiar with the specifics of such work, the task of choosing a riser, which is able to withstand a certain pressure seems to be quite complicated. But this is at first glance. In fact, the problem is simply solved.

To do this, it is necessary: \u200b\u200bto know what pressure is calculated by the heating or plumbing system and ... be able to read. This means that since at all PPR tubes The fiberglass reinforced is marked, then it contains all product information. Here it is written, for what maximum pressure is the product calculated.

Mostly, communications with the inscription PN20 are used in everyday life, which means that the item can be operated in highways with a pressure of up to 20 atm. This number is exaggerated, since such pressure in domestic highways is not observed. For example, in the systems of heating of one-storey buildings, the nominal pressure of 2.5 - 4 atmosphere. But the margin of safety does not hurt.

Relative to the diameter, it is necessary to choose the appropriate fittings.

Important! The optimal variant of the selection of pipes, fittings is the presence of parts not only one diameter, but also one manufacturer. When installing the design, minimal problems are excluded from such elements.

3. Manufacturers

The correctness of the choice of PPR of the risers includes also the choice of the manufacturer. One particular company whose products would satisfy all customers - does not exist.

The question is to avoid unnecessary problems. Therefore, it is necessary to give preference to this (or the one), the reputation of which in the market of similar goods is impeccable.

A certain advantage in this regard is the company from Europe. High quality, reliability in exploitation, affordable price, which means popular products of companies from Germany and the Czech Republic are popular.

IN last years The quality of goods from Turkey, China, has increased significantly.

Domestic producers are a bit behind them, the products of which today differ not only by relatively low prices, but also with appropriate quality. The choice is yours. The main thing is not to buy fakes. Therefore, buy goods in corporate stores, while demanding a quality certificate.

In addition to these, there are other reasons affecting the choice of goods. There is, however, one thing: we did not immediately remember the deadlines for the operation of products from white polypropylene. It has its own reason. Adhering to the requirements of proper operation, the elements of the pipeline design are fully able to withstand the time that is needed to start the following overhaul building.

Such today's materials.

conclusions

It can be concluded that given the positive characteristics of PPR pipes reinforced with fiberglass, their budget price, the scope of use - heating, ventilation, water pipes, products are not in vain apply for the role of leader in its class.

Future - for polymer communications, as they will worthy replacement traditional metal pipelines.

Video

Polypropylene pipes They are environmentally friendly, in many properties show themselves higher than steel. They are more technologically, the price of them below, they do not need to be protected from corrosion, the process of connecting them into a pipeline is much less time-consuming, the service life is significantly higher.

For heating are used mainly reinforced fiberglass or aluminum polypropylene pipes. This is due to the fact that the temperature of the coolant in the heating systems can reach 100 degrees Celsius. With such a temperature, unarmed pipes are laid on clips will be linearly lengthened and saving that it requires introducing compensators to the pipeline.Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass, have a linear expansion coefficient five times less than unarmed. Their seizing is significantly less, which allows you to install clips at a greater distance from each other.

Historically, the first reinforced polypropylene tubes were pipes reinforced non-fiberglass, but applied along the surface by a layer of aluminum. Their price is slightly higher compared to unarmed. But they have one inconvenience - before installation, such pipes must be cleaned with aluminum, and this is quite painstaking work, which increases the time for assembling the pipeline. In the pipes reinforced fiberglass, the reinforcing layer is bueled inside the design, which does not require such a stripping before they are connected.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes, price which is approximately the same, as well as coated with aluminum, have more thermal resistance, since metal is missing in their design. In view of this, they can be insulated with tubes from energy flow or K-Flex-A with a thickness of the walls somewhat less than pipes with aluminum.

In the warehouse of the organization there are in the presence of fiberglass reinforced polypropylene tubes. External diameter from 20 to 110 mm.

Plastic pipes - Modern replacement for old heavy metal pipes. Such light tubes from plastic appeared not so long ago, however, they rapidly won a firm position among other pipes in the plumbing market.

Choosing material for the pipeline, you will probably give your preference to plastic products, but it will be quite difficult to choose a specific option, because they can be manufactured from many different materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. In this article, we will consider the advantages and disadvantages of pipes from polypropylene, comparing them with analogues.

Characteristics of polypropylene pipes

The PPR tube has a number of distinctive characteristics, however, the main of them is the ease of the product, which is provided by raw materials - a thermoplastic polymer with a smallest density (0.91g / cubic meter) among similar materials.

The remaining characteristics define the scope of pipeline data:

• The operating temperature of the polypropylene pipes is from -5 ° C to + 140 ° C, so they are perfectly suitable for organizing heating, hot and cold water supply systems, but only indoors. Locking the water supply outside, it is better to use stitched polyethylene pipes that are not deformed when cooling up to -50 ° C;
• Plastic is not corrosion that was a big problem metal pipes, in addition, the plastic water supply is guaranteed to last at least 50 years;
• The PPR tube has a smooth inner wall, which significantly increases their throughput, and also does not allow them to clog;
• Plastic pipes are completely inert to most chemicals;
• Polypropylene pipes have a wide range of different diameters;
• Installation of PPR pipes is performed using special fittings manufactured from polypropylene. Pipes are welded in fittings by a special apparatus that you can purchase at an affordable price.

Types of polypropylene tubes

There are 4 main categories of polypropylene pipes:

• PPH - polypropylene tube with high strength, but low resistance to negative temperatures. The main area of \u200b\u200bapplication of such pipes is a gasket of cold water supply on an industrial scale;
• Ppb. - polypropylene tube, for the manufacture of which is additionally used polyethylene. The result is a solid pipe, stable low and high temperatures. More often used for laying a warm floor system;
• Pipe Pipe. Move from a special polymer, which includes ethylene molecules. Such a mixture allows you to achieve a special tensile strength, so such pipes are perfectly withstanding pressure jumps. Pipes are great for laying cold and hot water supply, but the water temperature in them should not exceed 70 ° C;
• PPS-Trubs are distinguished by resistance to high temperatures up to 95 ° C. Often such pipes are marked with a red stripe.

Reinforced polypropylene pipes

One of the significant drawbacks of polypropylene is a high thermal expansion coefficient. This is especially noticeable when building a heating system, where polypropylene under the influence of heat is expanding so much that when they are installed, you have to install compensating loops, which is quite uncomfortable.

Manufacturers have long taken care of this shortcoming, releasing the fortified polypropylene tube.

The PPR tube reinforced also has various categories:

• PN20.-Trub is rejected by fiberglass. Machining polypropylene tubes, the manufacturer adds a glass fiber layer into them, which later came into two adjacent propylene layers. Thus, a reinforced design is obtained, which is used when laying hot water pipes with a large number of docking. Such a pipe also has its drawback - a limitation in the dimeter width, the maximum size of which is 63 mm;
• PN25 - polypropylene, reinforced by aluminum. The principle of reinforcement is similar to the previous one, however, sheets and aluminum profiles are used here. The cross section of such pipes can be up to 100 mm, but their installation is harder and requires stripping aluminum layer.

Polypropylene pipes reinforced with fibrovolock appeared later than analogues with aluminum foil. But rapidly began to gain popularity in the sphere of plumbing during the installation of water supply and heating systems.

Technical standards for this type of equipment are largely superior to PP tubes unarmed and successfully compete with reinforced aluminum.

Reinforced fiberglass polypropylene pipes are marked with PPR-FB-PPR or PPR / PPR-GF / PPRwhere FB labeling (fiber) and GF - Glass Fiber means the presence of fiberglass, and the PPR is a versatile polypropylene brand that has been successfully used in hot water heating and systems.

Accordingly, the labeling, pipes are three-layer products: polypropylene - Fiberglass - Polypropylene.

But due to the fact that they are produced according to coextrusion technology (the compound of jets of different materials into a single holistic structure almost at the molecular level), layers are not glued, for example, during the reinforcement of aluminum.

That is, with their multi-layered the equipment is homogeneous and does not have the ability to bundle.

Plastic glues the glass fibers, or fiber in the center, and subsequently they do not allow deformation of a sufficiently soft polypropylene.

Due to this design, reinforced fibrovolok PP pipes are harder easy. This complicates the installation procedure to some extent, but reduces the risk of sagging and allows the samples of smaller diameter for heating and plumbing systems.

Another nuance - the stiffness of the inner layer contributes significant reduction in linear expansion characteristics In polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass. This is one of the reasons for the use of fiberglass reinforced PP pipes in heating systems.

Thickness and the amount of reinforcing composition is calculated in accordance with GOST standards. Fiberglass elements do not penetrate into an outer layer, where they would interfere with welding compounds or internal, which would lead to sanitation standards. Lack of metal eliminates the appearance of stiffery salts - So, all compounds become literally monolithic.

In the manufacture of fiber fiber is painted in different colors, but they are not an indicator of any operational or technical characteristics. According to the sizes, they correspond to the rest of the reinforced PP pipes.What allows you to use standard fittings and replace individual sections of pipelines from the material of the old sample.

Advantages and disadvantages

Of the design deficiencies of the reinforced fiber tubes from propylene, it is possible to note only that compared to models, enhanced aluminum, the coefficient of expansion is slightly higher - by 5-6%.

But compared to unarmed it is below three, by 75%, What allows you to increase the distance between the mounts and reduces the installation cost. As well as:

• They are much thinner than those who are unnecessary PP pipes, which is very relevant when conducting them in the walls, while the conductivity of the coolant is higher by 20%.
• The fiberglass layer will not give the pipeline to break through, which provides wear resistance and an increase in durability - up to 50 years.
• Strength and density of connections do not require regular maintenance.
• Thanks to good insulation properties there is no condensation, And the loss of heat is minimal.
• A small thermal expansion maximally reduces the risk of damage.
• In addition, during installation they do not require calibration and strippingwhat is needed for pipes reinforced foil From aluminum.
• The thermal conductivity corresponds to the indicators of ordinary PP pipes and lower than that of enhanced aluminum.
• Cases of solidification of Al polypropylene products are known, which is excluded in fiberglass coextrusion.
• All materials are non-toxic and completely harmless.
• Have a small weight, differ simplicity of installation. It is connected in any way - the soldering fuse or butt, threaded or flange connection.
• Chemical stability allows you to withstand even poor-quality coolant.
• High passability due to the smooth inner surface, respectively, and the lack of deposits.
• Pipe elastic, abrasive-resistant and low noiseDifferent with durability to increase pressure.
• Hold the temperature values \u200b\u200bin the range -10 - +95 Celsius.
• When achieving and even exceeding critical marks FB pipe can expand and cross, but not burst.

True, some causes concern the possibility of fiber fiber particles into the water. To avoid such a likelihood, pipes can be treated with a carrier - this will exclude the contact of the reinforcing layer with water.

Criterias of choice

Looking at the labeling of the pipe, you can immediately understand, for what purposes it is intended because pN abbreviation means "nominal pressure", and the numbers - its working indicator.

PN-10 with a wall of 1.9 - 10 mm - are designed for a temperature of up to 45 degrees, that is, applicable only in systems. Thin-walled, withstand pressure up to 1 MPa or 10 atm. Can be used for arrangement, but taking into account temperature mode . The diameter inside and outside - 16.2 - 90 mm, 20 - 110 mm.

PN-20 with a wall of 16 - 18.4 mm is most in demand, as practically universal. Suitable for X / g of water supply, heating, equipment of warm floors. It is maintained to 95 Celsius and pressure of 20 atmospheres. Have excellent bandwidth, used in private and comfortable houses, public institutions, enterprises. The diameter inside and outside - 10.6 - 73.2 mm, 16-110 mm.

PN-25 with wall in 4 - 13.3 mm - designed for the arrangement of risers, heating and water supply systems, warm floors, for industrial purposes. Pressure when working - 25 atmospheres, temperature - 95 degrees. Not susceptible to thermal deformation. The diameter inside and outside - 13.2 - 50 mm, 21.2 - 77.9 mm.

When choosing polypropylene pipes reinforced with fiberglass, for mounting the heating system it is necessary to repel from your own requirements and product specifications:

• Maximum temperature testimony;
• Nominal pressure;
• Diameter.

Accordingly, the most suitable polypropylene tubes with fiberglass for heating are PN-20 and PN-25 C D 16 - 40 mm, for warm floors - all three types. To perform a liner to radiators optimal models with a diameter of 20 to 24 mm. When installing the pipes of a smaller size of the inner seam, which is formed during the soldering, can become an obstacle to free flow of water.

For risers, it is necessary to choose samples with a size of at least 32 mm, otherwise the inner diameter will be small for full circulation. Pipes with D 40, due to massiveness, are more often used for hidden installation.

Based on the above, it can be concluded that the pipeline is propylene with the GF layer - nearly perfect option not only for sewer or plumbing, but also for the heating system.

In addition fiberglass is an anti-infusional barriernot allowing oxygen penetration. Diffusion is fraught with acceleration of corrosive processes of all metal equipment - pumps, boilers, etc.

This is especially rapidly happening in water waters with high temperature - hot water supply, heating.

Unnamed PP pipes such a property can not boast. In many criteria, they are significantly inferior to reinforced fiber film, especially relative to heating systems - polypropylene pipes without reinforcement are thicker, weaker, prone to deformation.

In order to do not spoil all with poor-quality pipes when the heating system is wiring, it is necessary to choose the "correct" manufacturer and pipes of the corresponding category. The manufacturers of polypropylene pipes in the world are quite a lot, but the unified marking system has not yet been developed and often products from the same material, with similar characteristics, have a different designation. Nevertheless, some designations are standard, and their knowledge will facilitate the choice of material with the required technical characteristics.

Characteristics and labeling of polypropylene pipes

To navigate in the names and understand the difference, talk a little about mark polypropylene. Any of them is denoted by two Latin letters: "pp" or in the Russian-speaking version "PP". Further, the numbers or other letters that are "disguised" types of materials can be standing:

It is PPR pipes (PPR in the Russian-speaking version) at this stage are considered the best, safe and reliable. PPR products, PP-Random can be used in centralized heating systems, as well as individual, if there is a gas or liquid fuel boiler. If a solid fuel boiler is installed with an automatic overheating protection (it works at a coolant temperature 95 ° C), a special polymer can be used to wiring the heating system, which has increased resistance to temperatures: PPS. It normally transfers the inner medium in 95 o C and brief overheating to 110 o C.

If a solid fuel unit without automation is standing in the system, no polypropylene will endure. Then for the wiring you need or copper or steel pipes. It is possible to use polypropylene in networks with such a boiler only in the presence of liquid heat accumulators that smooth the temperature differences increase the safety of the system and reduce the cost of heating, while at the same time increasing its comfort.

The next thing to pay attention to is on pressure. This parameter is labeled with Latin letters PN, and the numbers behind them indicate the nominal water pressure, which can withstand this pipe for 50 years at a temperature of the medium 20 ° C. Release PN 10, PN 16, PN 20 and PN 25. respectively These products will serve 50 years at a pressure of 10, 16, 20 and 25 bar / cm 2 and the temperature of the medium 20 o C.

When temperature changes and / or pressure, the service life is significantly reduced. For example, the life of products PN 16 at 50 ° C is no longer 50 years old, but only 7-8. It is also necessary to know that the greater the pressure, the thicker the pipe wall, although Pn 20 and Pn 25 have a layer of reinforcement, due to which their walls and the outer diameter are less than that of PN 16 analogues.

In principle, for individual heating Pn 10, Pn 16 can also be used. They are suitable for the temperature of the coolant not higher than 70 o C. Pikovo and briefly can be heated to 95 o C. Life service under such conditions, of course, not 50 years old, but they are ten years old Work will work. As a positive moment of such pipes, a smaller cost can be noted (compared to PN 20 and PN 25). But there is a very significant disadvantage: a large expansion coefficient. Each meter of the pipe when heated to 70 ° C increases almost 1 cm. If such pipes are hidden in the wall or in the floor screed without a compensatory circuit or loop, then after a while they will destroy nearby materials. If they are laid on top (fixed to the wall by clips / holders), they will noticeably put. If this pipeline looks normally in the "cold" form and the look on it is not delayed, the hanging pipes will noticeably spoil the appearance. Because such pipes are used more often for wiring cold or hot water (temperature GVS. Rarely exceeds 45-50 ° C and the temperature expansion has no such scope).

Polypropylene tube (PPR) reinforced

For heating, reinforced polypropylene tubes are usually used (Marking PN 20 and PN 25). Both types are suitable for both centralized and individual heating. These brands are distinguished by the type of reinforcing material: in PN 20, fiberglass uses, in PN 25 - aluminum (solid sheet or perforated depends on the manufacturer). Despite different materials The strengthening layer, both types have the expansion coefficient significantly lower than that of purely polymer pipes - by ¾ less. But when using fiberglass, it is 5-7% higher than in foil products.

The best stamps (Wain Ecoplastik, Valtec, Banninger, etc.) have a large number of fakes. In addition to low prices (compared to original), fakes can be defined by eye. The high-quality pipe layers are smooth. This is the main quality indicator. If the reinforcement is located in the middle, both layers of polypropylene have an absolutely identical thickness anywhere, although all the above manufacturers have a layer of aluminum closer to the outer edge.

Another sign that can be determined by fake: almost all market leaders use aluminum welding. Such pipes are more reliable, even for their production requires expensive equipment. In the photo above, the seam "Vanoslest" is visible. This is a clear sign of cheap pipes, and low, to put it mildly, quality.

The outer and inner surface of the original products is smooth. The inscription is clear, exactly the line, not lubricated. In addition, in order to avoid claims in the crafts, the name is often slightly distorted: they skip or add an excess letter, replace another.

One of the fakes is Ecoplastik. If you look around, you will see an error in writing (click to enlarge)

So, just carefully looking at such "trifles", you can determine the fake. In general, if you defined exactly with the brand, do not be lazy to go to the official website and ask how the pipes of the selected brand should look like, what a surface should be: matte or smooth, what color, what the logo looks like, which is applied, learn the range of products that produce This company.

Fiberglass reinforced pipes

In PN 20 pipes, fiberglass use as reinforcing material. In general, initially, this type was intended for hot water. Of course, they will feel nicely to feel in most heating systems. And work will work well. Not 50 years old, but not a year or two. Provided that these are really high-quality pipes, not a fake. And now approach an important moment: How to determine the quality. No matter how regrettable, it is necessary to navigate the price: Europeans produce the best pipes. You can't argue here: experience. But they have high prices.

Now about the pipes themselves and their use in heating. In this type of product, neither the color of the reinforcing gasket, nor the material from which it is made is practically no role played. Fiberglass can be orange, red, blue or green. It's just the coloring pigment and does not affect anything. If you can navigate on the color, then only on the longitudinal strip, which is applied on the surface of the pipe: Red speaks about the suitability for hot environments, blue - for cold, both together - about universality.

Now about the features of the use of reinforced fiberglass pipes precisely for heating. They can be put, but with some reservations. This is due to the second lack of polypropylene (except for a large temperature expansion) - high oxygen permeability. In high temperatures, a large amount of oxygen in the system leads to sufficiently active destruction of metal-containing elements. If the system is used truly reliable and high-quality, corresponding to certificates of aluminum radiators (a prerequisite - from primary aluminum), then large problems should not be. But if their quality causes doubts, or cast iron radiators are installed, then only the pipes with foil need to use, which significantly reduces the amount of oxygen passing through the walls pPR pipes. And one more point: the permeability of the wall thickness depends, but not much, and depends on the quality of the material. So again returned to the fact that in order for the heating from polypropylene pipes to work for a long time, quality is required.

But most of the installers advises to put the pipes with fiberglass for heating. Why? They are fixed faster. About twice. And all because to obtain a high-quality weld in foil pipes, it is required to remove the foil layer and part of the material that is above it. For this, a special device is necessary (for each diameter - its own). As usual, a good tool is not cheap, and I don't want to spend money on it. In addition, the procedure of stripping in total extensions the procedure for mounting the system almost twice. And the skill in this matter is also needed. Actually, their sharms are clear. But if you make heating for yourself, it is unlikely for you they decide something. Therefore, carefully read about the reinforcement of the foil. Here, too, everything is not easy.

Pipe reinforced foil

Denote by aluminum polypropylene pipes as follows: Reh / Al / Rh. There are two types of foil: closer to the outer edge and in the middle. There is one nuance of the installation of reinforced polypropylene pipes: can not be allowed to contact the foil with the coolant. Because even if water is used as a coolant, it is not chemically neutral (salts are always present even in soft water). Entering the reaction of oxidation with foil, water destroys it, leaking out further into the pipe. Sooner or later (rather sooner) there is such a pipe. The descendant is almost all European producers produce pipes with foil, located closer to the edge. It is they who require stripping: removal of the outer layer of polypropylene and foil. But as a result, when welding, it turns out that the metallized layer is protected from interacting with water with a thick layer of material.

When using pipes in which the foil layer is in the middle, it takes no stripping, but ending. For this purpose, it is also used specially tool, but another plan - it cuts into a few millimeters of foil inside the pipe, without destroying the layers of polypropylene. This procedure is easier and fulfilled faster (sellers such pipes are called "Lenivities" it is clear why?). In principle, if the seam is competent and correctly, the polypropylene is welded with each other, then such a seam is more or less reliable. But if there is a micro, then water will penetrate into it and cause bundle pipe. And the presence of micropores is guaranteed with an insufficiently vertical cut, insufficient experiment (incorrect exposure during welding) and the incomplete removal of the foil, and to control how carefully the foil is removed between the layers of the polymer unrealistic ... all this is fraught with breaks, leaks and impaired system integrity. How they are formed demonstrated in the figure below.

Especially a lot of trouble brings such a phenomenon when the pipes are hidden in the wall or in the floor. Repair will be long and difficult. In some cases (in winter), faster make a new wiring "top", leaving the old in the wall (but drained water). And the micropores in the seams happen very often: control the quality of the removal of the foil between the layers of polypropylene is almost impossible, which means that the sealance of the seam is unrealistic. And this is in the case of a high-quality pipe, and if the fake is falling, such as the one in the photo above? How to keep such a product? About the quality of the seam here can not be any speech.

The difference of welded seam after several years of operation (click to enlarge)

There is another disadvantage of this location: only the upper part of the pipe material is welded to fitting, and not both layers. And this, even if welding without microscopes, significantly reduces the reliability of the pipeline. On the other hand, such products (laminations) are significantly cheaper than their European analogues. Everything explains everything here: they are released by firms that try to win in price (Turkish manufacturers and Asian). But how will this economy affect the future? Most likely - the urgent replacement or repair of the pipeline is required, or the entire system.

All of the above is true for a solid foil sheet as a reinforcing layer. But there is still perforated foil. She is produced by the Turkish Kalde Campaign. The manufacturer claims that due to the prevention of the foil layer, it is not necessary to remove the foil layer: when welding through the pores, the materials adhesion occurs, which ensures the strength of the compound. As for the strength, probably everything is true. But what about the reaction from the foil with water and oxygen-permeability? Surely these indicators are worse than the pipes with a solid foil. Although there is the same situation as in the PPR tubes reinforced with fiberglass: when using high-quality aluminum radiators, the system will serve long enough.

RESULTS

I do not know how you, but for myself I can draw the following conclusions. If the wiring is hidden, polypropylene pipes reinforced with solid foil are uniquely needed. Moreover, the foil should be located closer to the outer edge, not in the middle. If the pipes have "top", it is quite possible to use high-quality pipes for heating with fiberglass (not in those systems where a solid fuel boiler is).